Types of asbestos
Types of Asbestos
Asbestos has been included in many materials in the last 150 years. Three common types of asbestos can be found in buildings:
- Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos), typically found in sprayed coatings, pipe insulation and cement based products was banned in 1985.
- Amosite (Brown Asbestos), is usually found in asbestos insulating board (AIB) and was banned in 1985.
- Chrysotile (White Asbestos), was legal until 1999 and banned thereafter. Often found in cement based products, artex and floor tiles, Chrysotile can be found in insulation materials and insulating board (AIB).
Asbestos, in loose or contained form, can be found within:
- Cement items such as roofing
- Insulation Boards
- Thermal Insulation
- Rope Insulation, Lagging and Yarns
- Floor Tiles, textiles and composite products
- Textured Coatings
- Loose in cavities, floors and ceilings
- Demolition
- Land Surveying
Asbestos cement
Generally containing 10-15% asbestos fibres which are bound in portland cement or calcium silicate. Uncoated sheets, widely used in the past as a building material can be identified as light grey in colour.
Whilst they were banned in 1999, asbestos cement products are the most common application of asbestos. Many houses, especially if built between the 1940s and the mid 1970’s will have asbestos cement garages and other asbestos cement products within and around the house.
- Often found in: Garages, Sheds, Industrial Units, Dutch Barns, Nissan Huts, Domestic & Commercial properties, Schools, Hospitals, Churches
- Often used for: Construction material, Corrugated roof sheets, Wall cladding, Roof tiles, Soffits, Guttering & down pipes, Soil & vent pipes, Verge plates, Flues, Bath panels, Panels to airing cupboards, around gas & electric meters.
Asbestos millboard
Millboards manufactured between 1896 and 1965 can contain chrysotile asbestos (up to 97%).
- Often found in: Pipe runs, electrical gear, vaults, storage.
- Often used for: General heat insulation and fire protection. Also used for insulation of electrical equipment and plant.
Asbestos sprayed coatings
Are contained within products that can generate very high fibre levels if disturbed.
- Often found in: Roof underlining (especially on asbestos cement roofs), service risers, floor voids, ceiling voids and around firebreaks,
- Often used for: Fire protection on structural supports (eg columns and beams), fireproofing and soundproofing.
Asbestos floor tiles
Vinyl, thermoplastic tiles and bitumen can contain asbestos. Floor screed typically contains about 2% asbestos. These screeds were often used in areas of high occupancy such as stairwells and entrance halls.
- Often found in: Floors roofs, floors, external walls, under stainless steel sinks,
- Often used for: Floor Coverings, mastic, adhesive, roof felt, sink pads
Asbestos Lagging, Ropes & Yarns
Where used for lagging or packing material ropes and yarns can contain 40 – 100% asbestos depending on its functional requirements.
- Often found in: Pipework, windows, boilers and ovens, on electrical equipment
- Often used for: Pipe lagging, insulation, jointing pipes, heat resisting situations.
Textured coatings
May contain asbestos and if well bonded and fibres are not often easily released. However, because of the asbestos content it to be worked with safely.
- Often found in: Domestic and commercial properties
- Often used for: Walls and ceilings
Abestos in Homes
All you need to know about asbestos in homes in the United Kingdom. Current UK legislation does not make any legal requirements of domestic homeowners.
We are able to provide any level of survey required, up to the Demolition and Refurbishment survey now required prior to the demolition of any building or structure.
Pre-Demolition Survey
When a building is to be demolished the (non-domestic) client ( usually the property owner) has a duty to provide pre-demolition information to the designer
Refurbishment Survey
A refurbishment survey / demolition survey is needed before any planned refurbishment or demolition work is carried out. This type of survey is used to locate and describe, as far as reasonable practicable
Asbestos Removal
Total demolition perform safe and comprehensive asbestos removal work nationwide and have worked on some of the largest asbestos removal projects ever undertaken in the United Kingdom.
Types of Asbestos
Asbestos has been included in many materials in the last 150 years. Three common types of asbestos can be found in buildings: Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos), Amosite (Brown Asbestos), Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
The strategy of the HSE is to ensure that those involved in the repair, removal or disturbance of asbestos containing materials (ACMs), such as insulation coatings or insulation boards, are licensed & competent
What is Asbestos
Asbestos was commonly used as a construction material in the UK between the 1950s and 1980s in particular. If your home was built between these years, chances are that you are living with Asbestos
Hazardous Material Removal
Total Demolition provides hazardous and contaminated waste identification, treatment and removal services. Our highly skilled team will always find a safe and efficient management solution to remove your unwanted legacy.
Asbestos In The Workplace
Total Demolition are a leading civil construction and civil engineering contractors with over 45 years’ expertise in delivering high-quality, innovative and cost-effective civil engineering projects across a wide variety of sectors.
Land Remediation
We have tackled some of the most complex remediation projects undertaken in the United Kingdom, surpassing industry standards. Our diverse range of experience and expertise sets us apart and we continually deliver to the highest standards
Emergency Demolition
Total Demolition are able to provide rapid deployment of specialised plant and equipment ranging from excavators and earth-moving equipment, to crane and rigging, purpose built containerised spill contaminant modules, generators and lighting towers.
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